Vacheron Constantin Patrimony
Boasting a simple style and timeless elegance, Vacheron Constantin Patrimony watches are ideal for those who wish to invest in watchmaking excellence. Timepieces in this stunning collection are some of the finest examples of Swiss manufacturing that money can buy. With a huge amount of time and skill put into production, they are nothing short of perfection. Featuring complications such as minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, some of these pieces are amongst the thinnest of their kind and are examples of haute horlogerie at its finest.
The History of Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Watches
When the Patrimony collection was launched in 2004, mechanical watchmaking was a newly thriving business. The fashion of the time was for superlative timepieces that almost bordered on excess. This was not the case for Vacheron Constantin, where there would be no chance of the manufacturer abandoning its longstanding values. The desire for clacissim remained strong, expressed by an interpretation of styles from 1957.
The Patrimony range came about from a desire to revive 1950s elegance and favour a more functional aesthetic. This restored the timepieces to their essential role of simply keeping time. While subsequent models may have added additional complications, this has been respectfully achieved so as not to disturb the classic nature of the range.
To start the collection, Vacheron Constantin launched two different wristwatches. Both featured a round case, short lugs, slim bezel, and flat dial. Despite the similarities, there were a few subtle differences that could be used to tell them apart. The Reference 6187 had hours, minutes, and a large seconds hands, while the Reference 6179 featured small seconds at 6 o’clock and no minute track.
Just two years later, the Patrimony Moon Phase and Retrograde Date was launched. This stunning timepiece featured a retrograde date display that arcs across the top of the dial from 9 to 3 o’clock with the moon phase indicator sitting at 6 o’clock. It was designed to be accurate for 122 years and shows how many days have passed since the last new moon. Also in 2006, the manufacturer released the Patrimony Collection Excellence Platine, which were extremely limited edition platinum models. A highlight of this range was the platinum version of the Patrimony Perpetual Calendar, of which only 100 models were made.
Then, in 2007, Vacheron Constantin released the Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date. This range used two individual hands to indicate the day and date. After every Sunday, the day indicator will spring back to its original position to signify the start of a new week, while the same is true on the 31st of each month. Fast forward four years, and the Patrimony Traditionnelle World Time was launched. Ideal for frequent travellers, these timepieces feature 37 time zones, which even account for those with a half or quarter hour difference. They also include a day-night indicator.
In 2013, the manufacturer successfully managed to pair a minute repeater with the excellence of an ultra-thin movement. The result of this was the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Ultra-Thin and its Calibre 1731. This fantastic creation gave the watchmaker two world records, for the thinnest minute-repeater in the world, and the thinnest minute-repeater movement.
If you are a watchmaking purist that enjoys the finer things in life, Vacheron Constantin Patrimony watches definitely deserve a position in your collection.
A Symbol of Quality
The Geneva Seal or Geneva Punze is an accolade that is awarded to mechanical watches that are manufactured, assembled, and regulated in the Geneva canton. Much like the coveted COSC certificate, the Seal is presented by the Timelab Foundation and is a highly-valued symbol of quality that all watchmakers aspire to achieve.
Vacheron Constantin timepieces have been awarded this prestigious accolade from the very beginning. The certification is also confirmation that all Vacheron Constantin Patrimony watches are of an exceptional quality and is proof of their origin. If you are looking for a timelessly elegant wristwatch, this stunning collection should be high on your list.
As Individual as You Are
Classic, harmonious and elegant, Vacheron Constantin Patrimony watches are one of the manufacturer’s most popular collections. The collection really does contain something for everyone, from simple automatic watches right the way through to complex perpetual calendars. In addition, the Patrimony range also boasts the world’s flattest mechanical wristwatch with a minute repeater, the Ultra-Thin Calibre 1731. Ideal for slipping under dress shirts, this stunning timepiece is 8.09mm and a respectable 65-hour power reserve.
Inspired by vintage models from the 1950s, Vacheron Constantin Patrimony watches make the perfect companions to any occasion. Sleek and stylish, watch lovers of all tastes will find something to love in this collection. Why not find your new favourite today?